C4 - 5.3 "LSX" engine swap project [PICS]

Cleaned up!











Cleaned up and ready for primer






Time for paint... The timing cover will either get painted or powder coated

LS1 intake





LS6 injectors


Pretty fuel rails
















Comp cams camshaft - 220/224, .530/.534, 112 LSA. For a 5.3 liter this cam should be aggressive enough but still maintain good streetability. The power range for this cam is 1600-6000rpms. Should work well with my 3.73 gears.

raidmagic said:

Let me know how the fuel rails fit. I'm thinking about a new intake and id have to run those rails but my stock rails are already too close to my wiper motor

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Will do, I hope they fit if not I believe a wiper motor from a bronco or something similar is smaller and will work... I think I remember reading that somewhere? What intake are you considering?

-=Jeff=- said:

you going through the motor and freshening it up? since it is out..

Also is your car currently an Auto?

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Yes i'm looking through as much as I can and replacing anything that seems a bit worn. Luckily the engine only had 67k miles and it seems to be in really great shape.

Yes, it's an auto.

remauto1100 said:

Keep the pics and tech specs (Ecm you are using), ecm software, any problems you ran into, etc coming!

What year is your 5.3L ? Any specific target years for the donor engine?

I have a 85 that i want to get on the road and a 5.3l will make it easy then later a convert to a 427 stroked out 6.0l will be a easy install.

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Yeah as I get into wiring her up i'm sure alot of issues will arise. As of now it's pretty simple, swap out the ugly parts for pretty ones:laughing:

The engine is a 2003. I believe 2000 to 2005 will work, perhaps newer as well. You can stick the 4.8, 5.3, 5.7 or even the 6.0l in the vette. The 6.0liter is considerably more money, upwards of $1,000...that's why I chose to stick with a 5.3 and cam it and stick headers on.

COPO said:

You been holding out on us!!!

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:devil:

remauto1100 said:

What year is your 5.3L ? Any specific target years for the donor engine?

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Be aware of this TSB for truck engines with Castech heads if you plan on using stock heads. Not all have the problem, but I'm about to replace heads on a friend's who does.

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GM TSB# 06-06-01-019B (came out 06-12-2007)
Subject: Information on Gradual Coolant Loss Over Time With NO EVIDENCE OF LEAK FOUND

Models:
2004-2006 Buic Rainier
2001-2006 Cadillac Escalade
2001-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Blazer, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, and Trailblazer
2001-2006 GMC Envoy, Jimmy, Sierra, and Yukon
2001-2005 Oldsmobile Bravada
2005-2006 SAAB 9-7X

With 4.8L or 5.3L VORTEC GenII, GenIV; V8 engine (VIN's V,T,M,M,Z --RPO's LR4, LM7, LH6, L33, and L59

Information:

Some vehicles may experience a gradual coolant loss over time. A very low percentage of cylinder head(s) manufactured with an embossed Castech logo may develop a porosity crack in a very specific area.

Inspect the cylinder head assembly to determine if the casting was manufactured by Castech. This can be accomplished by inspecting for their casting logo located on top of the intake port, under the rocker arm support rail and in the spring deck cavity portion of the cylinder head.

Important: If the cylinder head(s) are Not a Castech casting, follow normal diagnostic procedures in SI to determine the cause of the coolant loss.

Refer to the following illustrations on how to identify Castech casting and/or the very specific areas of the cylinder head(s) for a coolant leak from porosity.

If the cylinder head(s) is a Castech casting (1), inspect the area around the five oil drain holes for witness marks indicating coolant seepage over time (2).

Important: If No evidence of coolant loss is found on inspection of Castech casting cylinder head(s), follow normal diagnostic procedures in SI to determine the cause of the coolant loss.
The crack location can be found in any of the five cylinder head(s) oil drains. This can be seen as a clean or shiny area, on an otherwise stained surface (1). Pressurizing the cooling system at this time may reveal coolant, air, or a combination, weeping in the described area. If inspection reveals evidence of coolant witness marks (1), replace the entire cylinder head(s) assembly.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.